Footwear



H. S, DAVIS Aug. 15, 1939.

FOOTWEAR Filed March 6, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 15, 1939. s, DAVls 2,169,337

FOOTWEAR Filed March 6, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ihi illimli Patented Aug. 15, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOOTWEAR.

Herschel 8. Davis, little Rock, Ark. Application March 6, 1939, Serial No. 280,133 new. (or. sex-11.5)

This invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to footwear of the sandal type which is adapted for general usage both indoors and out, as well as for special uses such as bathing.

Many different forms of footwear have heretofore been proposed for the same purpose as that for which the sandals of the present invention are intended, but considerable difllculty has been experienced in comfortably and snugly fitting them to feet of various sizes and shapes without employing relatively expensive materials and methods of construction.

It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a novel form of shoe of the sandal type which, although simple and inexpensive in construction, can be readily adjusted so as to fit the foot of the wearer comfortably and snugly, and in such a way as to present a pleasing and attractive appearance to the eye.

Another object is to provide a sandal of improved structure which is particularly well adapted to quantity production in originally flat condition out of inexpensive materials, and which may be easily shaped and adjusted to the foot of the wearer, as by the use of ordinary laces.

A further object is to provide a new form of sandal which afl'ords adequate protection and ventilation for the foot and is sufliciently substantial in its construction toenable its use as a shoe for general wear, particularly by workers in warm climates whose need is for comfortable footwear at relatively low prices.

These and other objects will appear more fully upon a consideration of the following de-- tailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Although only two specific forms of sandal are hereinafter described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings it is to be expressly understood that these drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as defining the scope of the invention, reference being had for this latter purpose to the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the several views:

Figs. 1 and 2 are a plan view and side elevation, respectively, of one form of sandal embodying the invention showing the sandal in the originally fiat condition in which it is manufactured, prior to the shaping and adjustment thereof to the foot of the wearer;

Fig. 3 is a plan view on a somewhat enlarged scale of the construction of- Figs. 1 and 2, but with the various elements of the sandal adjusted and secured in the positions which they may occupy when on the foot of the wearer;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the finished sandal shown in Fig. 3, taken from the side which corresponds to the outer side of the foot when the sandal is being worn;

Fig. 5 is a plan view, similar to Fig. 1, of a modified form of sandal embodying the invention; and

Fig. 6 is a side view, similar'to Fig. 4, of the finished sandal construction shown in Fig. 5, but on a larger scale than the latter.

Considering first the construction shown in Figs. l4, it will be seen that this particular embodiment of the present invention comprises essentially only two elements-an outsole, which may or may not be provided with a heel, as desired, and a combination insole and upper which is adapted to be secured to the outsole in any suitable manner, and to be shaped and adjusted to the foot of the wearer in the novel manner subsequentlyto be described. It should here be noted,-however, that the invention may also be embodied in footwear wherein the outsole is entirely eliminated, as in the case of bathing shoes or sandals intended for house wear where there is no need for a heavy outsole. v

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, which show this first form of sandal in the originally flat condition in which it is manufactured, the combined insole and upper may be formed in one piece by a die cutting or similar operation out of any suitable material, including rubber, leather and canvas, and consists of an insole H, a pair of toe members I2 and IS, a pair of instep members I and I5, and a pair of heel members l6 and l I, the upper or outer end of heel member i1 having extending therefrom and diverging from one another a. pair of strap members It and iii. The insole l I may be secured to the outsole 20 in any suitable manner, as by stitching 2 I, or by vulcanization in the event that both the insole and outsole are made of rubber. The outsole 20 may also be provided with a heel 2|, if desired, either secured thereto in any suitable manner or formed integrally therewith. As shown in Fig. 2, outsole 20 and heel 2| are ordinarily made of thicker material than the combined insole and upper, and may even be made of different materials, in order to provide adequate resistance to wear.

Each of the toe members I! and I3 is lobe shaped in outline and extends from a point adjacent the tip of the toe of the insole H to approximately the broadest part of the insole or a point adjacent the shank thereof. The shape and extent of toe members I2 and iii are such as to insure that, when the sandal is worn, the toes of the foot will be comfortably embraced by said members and sufficiently covered thereby to adequately protect them against scratching, bruising and similar injuries.

The instep members I l and I5, which extend outwardly from the opposite side edges of the shank portion of the insole II, are finger-like in configuration and are so shaped and of such size as to snugly encompass the instep of the foot when properly adjusted.

As is clearly indicated in Fig. 1, the heel members I8 and I1 extend outwardly from the sides of the heel portion of the insole I I, each terminating short of the rounded rear edge of the heel so as to provide the sandal with an open heel. The heel member I6, which ls connected to that side of the insole corresponding to the outer side of the foot when the sandal is worn, has its outer portion curved forwardly and has secured to its extremity a buckle 22 of any suitable construction which is adapted to detachably and adjustably connect the end of forwardly extending strap member III to heel member I6 when securing the sandal to the foot of the wearer, said strap member passing over the foot in front of the ankle. The rearwardly extending strap member I9 is adapted to pass behind the heel of the wearer and to be adjustably and detachably connected to the forwardly inclined portion of the rear edge of heel member I6 in the manner later to be described.

In order to enable the sandal to be readily shaped and adjusted to fit the foot of the wearer and secured in adjusted position, the various toe, instep; heel and strap members are provided with a unique arrangement of lace receiving openings which are adapted to cooperate with one another in receiving one or more laces by means of which these members may be snugly and comfortably drawn about the foot and secured in the desired positions.

As shown, each of the lobe shaped, toe engaging members I2 and I3 is provided with a group of lace receiving holes 23 punched or otherwise formed therein and circumferentially spaced parallel to and adjacent the curved periphery thereof. Each toe member is also preferably provided with at least one other similar group of holes 24 likewise parallel to but spaced further from the periphery thereof than the holes 23. With this arrangement, should the toe members I2 and I3 be too large in area as originally formed to properly fit the foot of any particular wearer, the outer peripheral portion of each may be removed along a line lying between the two groups of holes 23 and 24 so as to reduce its area, but without adversely afiecting the shaping and adjusting functions thereof. Where the sandal is worn without such modification, the inner groups of holes 24 will provide increased ventilation for the foot, a result which can also be attained by cutting out any desired areas of toe members I2 and I3 in addition to the lace receiving openings.

Each of instep members I4 and I5 is also provided with a plurality of lace receiving holes 25 circumferentially spaced substantially parallel to and adjacent the periphery thereof, while heel members I6 and I1 have similar holes 26 adjacent their forward edges. As will be apparent from the drawings, the holes formed in the instep members are so located as to be adapted for cooperation with those along the adjacent edges of the toe and heel members.

In order to facilitate the adjustable connection of rear strap member I9 to heel member I6, the end of said strap member is provided with two pairs of lace receiving holes 21 and 23, each pair being arranged parallel to the rear edge of the strap member with the pair 28 positioned slightly forwardly of a pair 21. With this construction, if strap member I3 should be too long as originally formed to fit some particular foot, the outer portion of said strap may be cut off along a line between the two pairs of holes, still leaving the pair 28 available for use. To cooperate with the holes 21 or 28 formed in strap member ID, heel member i6 is provided with a row of four similar holes 29 arranged parallel to and adjacent the forwardly inclined portion of the rear edge of said heel member, any two of which holes may be used in conjunction with the holes 21 or 28 of strap member I9 when lacing these two portions of the sandal together in properly adjusted position.

When it is desired to use the same lace for connecting strap member I9 to heel member I6 and for adjusting the heel and instep members relatively to one another, strap member I9 is provided with two additional holes 30 located substantially along its center line adjacent its point of connection to heel member I1, and a hole 3i in line with holes 30, but located just forwardly of the pair of holes 23.

The shaping and adjustment of the sandal to the foot of the wearer, and the securing thereof in adjusted position, is preferably accomplished by the use of two laces 32 and 33, the lace 32 being threaded through certain of holes 23 or 24 of the toe members I2 and I3 and holes 25 of the instep members I4 and I5, while lace 33 not only passes through holes 21 or 28 of strap member I9 and holes 29 of heel membe IE to secure these two portions of the sandal together, but also passes through holes 3| and 30 of strap member I9, one of holes 26 in each of heel members I6 and I1, and certain of holes 25 in each of instep members I4 and I5. In the embodiment illustrated, laces 32 and 33 thread rearwardly and forwardly, respectively, and each has its ends tied together on top of the instep of the foot, as indicated best in Fig. 3.

When the laces have been threaded through the various holes in the manner shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the toe members I2 and I3 may be drawn snugly and comfortably into encompassing relation with the toes of the foot, the instep members I4 and I5 may be made to conform to the contour of the instep, and the heel members IE and I1 and strap member I9 may be brought into engagement with the sides and rear of the heel by tightening or slackening the laces wherever necessary. Not only does this method of adjust ment provide for the individual positioning of each member, but it also enables practically universal adjustment of the various members relatively to one another. After the laces have been drawn taut and their ends tied together in the conventional manner, and the strap member I8 has been secured in proper position by buckle 22, the sandal will be shaped to the foot of the wearer, will fit that foot without puckering and with such comfort that it may be worn in lieu of an ordinary shoe, and will present an attractive appearance to the eye, particularly if the laces and the material from which the toe, instep, heel and strap members are formed are of contrasting colors.

In this latter connection, although the sandal of Figs. 14 has been described and illustrated as embodying an integrally formed blank comprising both insole and upper, it will be obvious that additional color contrast and increased attractiveness may be obtained by forming the insole and upper in two or more pieces, out of materials of different colors. For example, the

blank shown in Fig. 1 might be divided either transversely or longitudinally along any of the broken lines 34, 35 and 36 so that various portions of the sandal may be separately formed. Such a division of the blank may also be desirable from the standpoint of ease in manufacturing, particularly where it would be diflicult to cut the whole blank at one time with a single die. Where the insole and upper are made in more than one piece, they may be assembled and secured to the outsole in any suitable manner, and may be covered with an integral inner sole or liner so that the seams between the sections of the divided insole will not hurt the foot when the sandal is worn.

Although it will be obvious that the specific way in which the laces 32 and 33 are threaded may be varied to suit the individual, there are certain advantages of the particular arrangement illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 which should be noted. For example, by passing the lace 32 from the toe members 12 and i3 to those holes in the instep members I4 and 15 which are located adjacent the ends thereof, rather than to holes closer to the insole, it is not only easier to vary the positions of the instep members forwardly or rearwardly, but it also enables the adjustment of the toe and instep members relatively to one another to be made permanent without tying the ends of lace 32 together by simply dodging back and forth through the holes at the end of each instep member, as shown, so as to effectively bind the lace 32 upon itself. The arrangement illustrated also makes it possible to initially adjust the connection between strap member [9 and heel member l6 by means of the lace 33 and to then permanently secure these elements in their properly adjusted positions by leading the ends of the lace 33 forwardly through the holes 3|, 38 and 26 on both sides of the sandal, thereby making it unnecessary to attend to this adjustment each time that the sandal is donned. Still another advantage of the lacing shown is that three individual adjustments may be made with only two laces.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, the embodiment of the invention shown therein is primarily intended for wear by children and therefore differs from that of Figs. 14 in certain respects.

For example, no provision is made for relative adjustment between the heel and instep members, and the form of the heel members and the strap member which passes behind the heel are different from the corresponding elements of Figs. l--4. It will also be noted that there are fewer lace receiving holes formed in the toe and instep members, and that no heel is provided on the outsole.

As shown, this second embodiment of the invention comprises an outsole 31 to which is secured, as by stitching 38, a combined insole and upper which may be formed either as an integral blank or in a. plurality of parts, as desired, similarly to the sandal of Figs. 1-4. The blank illustrated consists of an insole 39, lobe shaped, toe members 48 and 4|, and finger-like instep members 42 and 43, all of substantially the same construction as the corresponding elements of the embodiment previously described; Extending outwardly from the sides of the heel portion of insole 39 are a pair of heel members 44 and 45, each of which may be said to be generally rectangular in shape, and each of which terminates short of the rounded rear edge of the heel of the insole. Extending outwardly and forwardly from heel member 44 is a strap member 46 which is adapted to pass over the foot in front of the ankle and to be adjustably connected to the outer, forward portion of the opposite heel member 45, as by a suitable buckle 41. Extending rearwardly from heel member 44 is a substantially rectangular strap member 48 which is adapted to pass behind the heel, of the wearer and to be adjustably connected to the rear edge of heel member 45 by a lace 49, the latter threading through vertical groups of holes 50 and 5| formed parallel to and adjacent the rear edges of strap member 48 and heel member 45, respectivelyvi' This construction of heel members 44 and 45 and rear strap member 48 provides greater covering and protection for the heel of the wearer than does the construction of Figs. 14.

In order to provide for the proper shaping and adjustment of the toe and instep members to the foot of the wearer, and for the securing of these members in adjusted position, each of toe members 40 and 4| is provided with a. group of lace receiving holes 52, paralleling the periphery thereof, while instep members 42 and 43 have similar holes 53 formed therein, a single continuous lace 54 being threaded through these holes from the tip of the toe of the sandal rearwardly with its ends suitably secured together over the instep of the foot. Although fewer lace receiving holes are provided in the toe and instep members of the sandal of Figs. 5 and 6 than in the first embodiment, it will be understood that, should it be desired to make this second form of sandal in larger sizes, the number of holes and their arrangement may be varied, as desired, and in accordance with the disclosure of Figs. 14.

There is thus provided by the present invention a new and improved form of sandal which may be inexpensively manufactured in large quantities, and which is of such construction that it may be readily adjusted by the use of ordinary laces to fit feet of various sizes and shapes, without puckering or otherwise detracting from either appearance or comfort. Although the present sandal may be made out of any suitable material or materials, its structure is such that it lends itself unusually well to manufacture out of rubber fabric which is reclaimed from automobile tires, 2. material which possesses marked wear-resisting qualities and is sufiiciently tough to make it unnecessary to provide eyelets for the lace receiving holes. Tire fabric is also relatively resilient so that it holds its shape well, and it possesses an inherent curl, a fact which minimizes the tendency of the edges of the various parts of the sandal to cut into the foot.

Not only are the sandals of the present invention easily adjustable so as to fit the feet comfortably and snugly, but they also protect the feet and, because of their open, perforated construction, provide increased ventilation, features which make them particularly well adapted for general wear in warm climates. In addition to their adjusting, fitting and securing functions, the laces of the sandals herein disclosed, by their in-and-ou-t threading through the various lace receiving holes, also afford a decorative feature which may be enhanced by using laces of various colors and by making different portions of the sandals out of materials of different colors.

. While two specific forms of sandal have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be obvious that the invention is not limited to the exact structures shown but is capable of a variety of mechanical embodiments.

Various changes, which will now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, may be made in the form, details of construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit of the invention. Reference is therefore to be had to the appended claims for a definition of the limits of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An article of footwear comprising a sole, a pair of toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, means for adjusting said toe engaging and instep members to snugly fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position, a' pair of heel engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the heel portion of the latter, a pair of strap members secured to one of said heel engaging members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, and means for detachably connecting each of said strap members to a portion of the other of said heel engaging members.

2. An article of footwear comprising a sole, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of finger-like instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein, a pair of heel engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the heel portion of the latter, a pair of strap members secured to one of said heel engaging members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, means for detachably connecting each of said strap members to a portion of the other of said heel engaging members, and lacing means passing through the lace receiving openings of said toe engaging and instep members for adjusting said members to fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position 3. An article of footwear comprising a sole, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter. a pair of finger-like instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality or lace receiving openings formed therein and circumferentially spaced adjacent its periphery, a pair of heel engaging members secured to said sole along theiopposite side edges of the heel portion of the latter, a pair of strap members secured to one of said heel engaging members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, means for detachably connecting each of said strap members to a portion of the other of said heel engaging members, and a single continuous lace passing through at least some of the lace receiving openings of each of said toe engaging and instep members for adjusting said membersto fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position.

4. An article of footwear comprising a sole, a pair of toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, means for adjusting said toe engaging and instep members to snugly fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position, a pair of heel engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the heel portion of the latter, a pair of strap members secured to one of said heel engaging members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, the latter mentioned strapmember having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein adjacent its end, cooperating lace receiving openings formed in a portion of the other of said heel engaging members, lacing means passing through the lace receiving openings in said strap and heel engaging members for adjusting said members to fit the foot of the wearer and for securing the same in adjusted position, and means for detachably connecting the other of said strap members to another portion of said last named heel engaging member,

5. An article of footwear comprising a sole, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of finger-like instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein, a pair of heel engaging members secured to saidsole along the opposite side edges of the heel portion of the latter, a pair of strap members secured to one of said heel engaging members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, means for detachably connecting each of said strap members to a portion of the other of said heel engaging members, and lacing means passing through the lace receiving openings of said toe engaging and instep members for adjusting said members to fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position, the holes in each of said toe engaging mem bers being arranged in at least two groups each substantially parallel to the periphery of said member, whereby a portion of said member may be removed to decrease the size thereof without adverse effect upon the adjusting and fitting operation of said lacing means.

6. An article of footwear comprising a sole, a pair of toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein, a pair of heel engaging mem bers secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the heel portion of the latter and also having lace receiving openings formed therein, a pair of strap members secured to one of said heel engaging members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, means for detachably connecting each of said strap members to a portion of the other of said heel engaging members, and lacing means passing through the lace receiving openings of said toe engaging, instep and heel engaging members for adjusting said members to fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position.

7. An article of footwear comprising a sole, a pair of toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein, a pair of heel engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the heel portion of the latter and also having lace receiving openings formed therein, a pair of strap members secured to one of said heel engaging members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, means for detachably connecting each of said strap members to a portion of the other of said heel engaging members, a single continuous lace passing through at least some of the'lace receiving openings of each of said toe engaging and instep members, and a second lace passing through at least someof the lace receiving openings of each of said instep and heel engaging members, said laces being adapted to adjust all of said members to fit the foot of the wearer and to secure said members in adjusted position.

8. An article of footwear comprising a sole, a pair of toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein, a pair of heel engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the heel portion of the latter and having lace receiving openings formed therein adjacent the forward edges thereof, a pair of strap members secured to one of said heel engaging members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, the latter mentioned strap member having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein adjacent its end, cooperating lace receiving openings formed in a portion of the other of said heel engaging members, means for detachably connecting the other of said strap members to another portion of said last named heel engaging member, a single continuous lace passing through at least some of the lace receiving openings oi. each 01' said toe engaging and instep members, and a second continuous lace passing through at least some of the lace receiving openings of each of said instep and heel engaging members and the rear strap member, said laces being adapted to adjust all of said members to fit the foot of the wearer and to secure said members in adjusted position.

9. A sandal open at both toe and heel comprising an outsole, an insole secured to said outsole, a pair of toe members adapted to embrace the toes of the foot of the wearer from points ad- J'acent the open tip of the toe of the sandal to points adjacent the shank portion of the insole, a pair of instep members extending upwardly from the side edges of the shank portion of the insole and adapted to embrace the instep of the foot of the wearer, each .of said toe and instep members being provided with a plurality of openings therethrough circumferentially spaced adjacent the periphery thereof, a pair of heel members adapted to engage the sides only of the heel of the foot of the wearer, and a pair of strap members secured to the upper end of one of said heel members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, means for adjustably connecting each of said strap members to the other of said heel members, and a single continuous lace passing through the openings of said toe and instep members for adjusting said members to fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position.

10. A sandal open at both toe and heel comprising an outsole, an insole secured to said out sole, a pair of toe members adapted to embrace the toes of the foot of the wearer from points adjacent the open tip of the toe of the sandal to points adjacent the shank portion of the insole, a pair of instep members extending upwardly from the side edges of the shank portion of the insole and adapted to embrace the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe and instep members being provided with a plurality of openings therethrough circumferentially spaced adjacent the periphery thereof, a pair of heel members adapted to engage the sides only of the heel of the foot ofthe wearer, said heel members also having openings therethrough adjacent their forward edges, and a pair of strap members secured to the upper end of one of said heel members, one of said strap members being adapted to pass in front of the ankle and the other behind the heel of the wearer, means for adjustably connecting each of said strap members to the other of said heel members, and lacing means passing through the openings of said toe, instep and heel members,

for adjusting said members to fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position.

11. A blank for use in the manufacture of footwear of the sandal type consisting of a sole portion, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging portions each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe of the sole portion to a point adjacent the shank of the latter, a pair of finger-like instep portions extending outwardly from the shank of said sole portion, a pair of heel engaging portions extending outwardly from the sides of the heel of said sole portion and each terminating short of the rounded rear edge of said heel, and a pair of strap portions extending from one of said heel engaging portions and diverging from one another, one of said strap portions extending forwardly and the other rearwardly with respect to the associated heel engaging portion.

12. A blank for use in the manufacture of footwear of the sandal type consisting of a sole portion, a pair 01' lobe shaped, toe engaging portions each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe of the sole portion to a point adjacent the shank of the latter, a pair of finger-like instep portions extending outwardly from the shank of said sole portion, each of said toe engaging and instep portions having a plurality of spaced holes formed therein arranged in one or more groups each substantially parallel to the periphery thereof a pair of heel engaging portions extending outwardly from the sides of the heel of said sole portion and each terminating short of the rounded rear edge oi said heel, and a pair of strap portions extending from one of said heel engaging portions and diverging from one another, one of said strap portions extending forwardly and the other rearwardly with respect to the associated heel engaging portion.

13. A blank for use in the manufacture of footwear of the sandal type consisting of a sole portion, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging portions each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe of the sole portion to a point adjacent the shank of the latter, a pair of finger-like instep portions extending outwardly from the shank of said sole portion, each of said toe engaging and instep portions having a plurality of spaced holes formed therein arranged in one or more groups each substantially parallel to the periphery thereof, a pair of heel engaging portions extending outwardly from the sides of the heel of said sole portion and each terminating short of the rounded rear edge of said heel, and a pair of strap portions extending from one of said heel engaging portions and diverging from one another, one of said strap portions extending forwardly and the other rearwardly with respect to the associated heel engaging portion, each of said heel engaging portions having at least one hole therethrough adjacent its forward edge.

14. A blank for use in the manufacture of footwear of the sandal type consisting of a sole portion, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging portions each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe of the sole portion to a point adjacent the shank of the latter, a pair of finger-like instep portions extending outwardly from the shank of said sole portion, each of said toe engaging and instep portions having a plurality of spaced holes formed therein arranged in one or more groups each substantially parallel to the periphery thereof, a pair oi heel engaging portions extending outwardly from the sides of the heel of said sole portion and each terminating short of the rounded rear edge of said heel, each of said heel engaging portions having at least one hole therethrough adjacent its forward edge, and a pair of strap portions extending from one of said heel engaging portions and diverging from one another, one of said strap portions extending forwardly and the other rearwardly with respect to the associated heel engaging portion, the other of said heel engaging portions and the rearwardly extending strap portion also having a plurality of holes formed therein adjacent their rear edges.

15. A sandal comprising a sole, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of finger-like instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein and circumferentially spaced adjacent its periphery, members secured to the heel portion of said sole and adapted to pass in front 0! the ankle and behind the heel of the wearer for holding the rear of the sandal to the foot of the wearer, each of said last named members also having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein, and lacing means passing through at least some of the lace receiving openings of each of said members for adjusting said members relatively to one another to fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position.

16. A sandal comprising a sole, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of fingerlike instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein and circumferentially spaced adjacent its periphery, members secured to the heel portion of said sole and adapted to pass in front of the ankle and behind the heel of the wearer for holding the rear of the sandal to the foot of the wearer, each of said last named members also having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein, lacing means passing through at least some of the lace receiving openings of each oi said toe engaging and instep members, and additional lacing means passing through at least some of the lace receiving openings of each of said instep members and the members secured to the heel portion of the sole, said lacing means being adapted to adjust all of said members relatively to one another to fit the foot of the wearer and to secure said members in adjusted position.

17. A sandal comprising a sole, a pair of lobe shaped, toe engaging members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges thereof and each extending from a point adjacent the tip of the toe portion of the sole to a point adjacent the shank portion of the latter, a pair of finger-like instep members secured to said sole along the opposite side edges of the shank portion thereof and adapted to engage the instep of the foot of the wearer, each of said toe engaging and instep members having a plurality of lace receiving openings formed therein and circumferentially spaced adjacent its periphery, lacing means passing through at least some of the lace receiving openings of each of said toe engaging and instep members for adjusting said members relatively to one another to fit the foot of the wearer and for securing said members in adjusted position, and members secured to the heel portion of said sole for holding the rear of the sandal to the foot of the wearer.

HERSCHEL S. DAVIS. 

